Thứ Sáu, 30 tháng 11, 2018

Best Egg Cooker 2018: Top 5+ Recommended

I think you’ll agree with me on this:

Whether you like them scrambled, poached, or boiled— nothing beats the smell and taste of cooked eggs for breakfast!

Eggs are probably the most common food item that people of any status and culture has. 

Why not, right?

I mean, fried or boiled, eggs are among the easiest food to prepare and cook! 

However, each individual has this own preference in how they want their egg to be cooked. And although it may seem the easiest thing to cook, trying to make consistent, perfectly boiled eggs every time seems an actual trouble. 

Well, this is where an amazing gadget takes the spotlight and saves the day— the “eggquisite” best egg cooker!

The Lazy Egg Gadget: What is an Egg Cooker and How Does It Work? 

Also known as egg boilers, egg cookers are small electric devices which are used for cooking eggs (duh!) and help in preparing breakfast for the family a breeze!

Egg cookers have enough space for cooking several eggs at the same time, but what’s most important about egg cookers is that each egg has its own separate station or holder so that they do not bump into each other during the cooking process.

Also, egg cookers eliminate the time in waiting for the water to start boiling. You can cook eggs instantly and the amount of water used is just there to determine the hardness of the eggs. 

Typically, when you get an egg cooker, you also get a measuring cup which is used for calculating the needed amount of water that is based on the number of eggs you will be cooking and your desired firmness.

Also, egg cookers come with egg pricker or egg piercer for piercing all eggs of its wide side before you place them on the cooker. This is to provide an escape route for the air and gives you eggs with a smooth rounded end.

Egg cookers can soft boil, hard boil, poach eggs, as well as preparing an omelet with the use of water and steam. As I have mentioned before, the needed amount of water will depend on your desired hardness. Therefore, the exact cooking time will depend on the amount of water that is used.

In general, the mechanism of egg cookers involves steaming instead of boiling. Other than practicality reasons, steaming eggs has been found to be better than boiling in several aspects.

All in all, steamed eggs have better consistency and are cooked better than boiled ones. This is because steaming is a much tender cooking than boiling. Also, there is a low chance of the eggs peeling or cracking during the steaming process. Plus, steaming cooks eggs a lot faster than conventional boiling.

Why You Should Get An Egg Cooker?

For some people, cooking consistently perfect eggs are quite a feat. It is not that easy to do plus takes some of your time, particularly if you are using complicated cooking techniques such as poaching.

Purchasing an egg cooker is much more convenient and quick way to cook your eggs. With the best egg cooker, you can cook eggs in whatever cooking method you like without chef-like skills.

Plus it also saves you time in cooking your eggs while you do other tasks without worrying about overcooking your eggs since most of the best egg cookers come with timers.

Different Types of Cookers

Before you get a cooker for your kitchen, you might be pleased to know that there are actually different types of egg cookers out there and how they cook eggs greatly differ! 

1. Counter Top

Packed with technology these are the most elegant egg cookers. Most countertop cookers have inserts for either poaching or boiling eggs. Expensive models allow you to cook your eggs at various consistencies at the same time, which is a great time-saver.

This type of cookers also comes with tiers and alarms so you will not need to keep an eye on your eggs all the time. There are some with delayed timers as well as a keep warm function so that you can get your eggs ready on time.

2. Microwave

This type of cooker only works if you already have a microwave oven in your kitchen. Microwave egg cookers cook faster than counter tops and are easier to clean. Microwave cooker, however, cooks every set of eggs at the same consistency, unlike expensive countertop cookers.

Factors to Consider in Choosing the Most Eggsquisite Egg Cooker

Before you rush to the nearest appliance store and get yourself an egg cooker, there are certain factors you need to consider to ensure that you are getting the right cooker for you. Here are some of them:

1. Material

Egg cookers are typically made of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic or a combination of these three. Most egg cookers come with a plastic lid with inner heating plate base for good heat conduction.

Plastic lids are light, transparent which allows you to see what’s going on inside the cooker and not become too hot during the cooking process. However, plastic constructions are not as durable as steel and not stylish at all.  Also, plastic cookers come with health safety issue, so if you are going with plastic you need to choose one that is BPA-free or does not contain any toxic chemicals.

Aluminum and steel egg cookers are durable as they come, however, they can heat up when cooking, making you prone to burns and scalds.

2. Capacity

When looking for an egg cooker, the main consideration you should look at is how many eggs can you cook at the same time. Countertop models can vary between 6-12 boiled eggs, depending on the egg cooker model you choose.

In general, a smaller capacity model is suitable for small families, while larger egg cookers that can cook 12 eggs at the same time is suitable for larger families or those who just love snacking on eggs.

3. Multi-Functional

If you want a unit which does more than just boiling eggs, then there are some egg cookers that allows you to steam other foods or poach eggs. Typically, egg cookers come fully equipped with various extras and attachments which will allow you to scramble or poach eggs. There are even some units that let you steam foods other than eggs like fish or vegetables.

4. Cooking Times

In general, the length of the egg cooking cycle depends on the model you choose. However, the best egg cooker out there can cook an egg in just 3 to 10 minutes. This broad range is based on the number of eggs you will be cooking as well as the type of consistency that you are after.

5. Alarm Features

Egg cookers are not so useful at all if you need to stand beside it and watch it do its job, waiting for it to finish cooking in order to prevent overcooking as you would do with a conventional pan and water egg boiling.

The best egg cookers feature automatic shut down and alert you when the eggs are already cooked. This gives you the time to do other important things instead of gawking at the unit until the eggs are ready.

There are some egg cookers that cannot turn themselves off but can only notify you when the eggs are ready, while there are some that just turn themselves off without telling you so. And the best egg cooker can do both.

6. Ease of Cleaning

With our fast-paced life, it is no wonder that we want things which do not bother us with too much time. This is especially true with kitchen appliances. We want something that is very easy to clean.

For individuals who are not fond of washing the dishes, it is a huge plus if the egg cooker you choose is dishwasher safe, saving you a lot of time.

And even if it is not dishwasher-safe, you should go with units that are very easy to clean and should not leave any food particles that might get stuck on the cooker, not only for cleaning issue but also for food safety issue.

7. Size

If you are concern about space, then you will be happy to know that some of the best egg cookers are fairly compact so that they take only a small amount of space in your kitchen countertop and makes it fairly easy for you to store them away when not in use.

The Top 5 Best Egg Cookers 2018

#1: Dash Rapid Egg Cooker

Dash Rapid Egg Cooker: 6 Egg Capacity Electric Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled Eggs, Poached Eggs, Scrambled Eggs, or Omelets with Auto Shut Off Feature

Via Amazon.com

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

Amazon’s Choice, the Dash Rapid Egg Cooker allows you to boil 6 eggs at the same time while also letting you make some omelets, scrambled or poached eggs with its omelet tray and poaching egg tray. 

All you need to do us to fill the measuring cup to the line of your desired consistency, and push the big “ON” button, wait, wait and wait until you hear a buzz calling you to eat the yummy eggs.

You do not have to worry about burning your place down. This egg cooker comes with an auto-off function and a timer that lets you customize the cooking time of your eggs for the desired consistency. Also, it is portable and very light making it easy to store in your kitchen as well as bringing it with you on your vacations.

What We Like

  • Easy storage
  • Practical and small
  • Comes with omelet and poaching tray
  • Comes with a recipe book
  • Non-electric parts are dishwasher safe
  • Very easy to use
  • Auto-off function
  • Built-in timer

What We Don't Like

  • The buzzer is too loud
  • You might burn your fingers on the lid

#2: Elite Cuisine Egg Cooker

Elite Cuisine Egg Cooker

Via Amazon.com

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

With a cooking capacity of 7 eggs, the Elite Cuisine Egg Cooker cooks consistently hard-boiled, medium boiled or soft boiled eggs for every breakfast. Featuring an auto-off function and a built-in timer, you do not have to worry about overcooking eggs and provides you with a perfect automated egg cooking experience.

This egg cooker comes with a measuring cup with firmness marking so that your eggs will be cooked at an accurate consistency every time. Also, a piercing pin is included at the bottom of the measuring cup, ensuring that the eggs will not crack or peel out for flawless boiled eggs and reducing mess on the unit.

Its indicator light glows during the entire process and will shut down automatically after all water has evaporated. It comes fully equipped with an omelet tray and poach tray for poaching and omelet making. Plus, this egg cooker has a removable egg tray that you can just pull up for cooling down the eggs under running water.

What We Like

  • Affordable
  • Automatic shut-off
  • Comes with piercing pin and measuring cup
  • Easy to clean and use
  • Multi-functional
  • Cooks 7 eggs in one go
  • Removable egg tray

What We Don't Like

  • No alarms
  • Becomes a bit watery if you cook with just a couple of eggs
  • You can’t cook large eggs

#3: Holife Stainless Steel Egg Cooker

Holife Stainless Steel Egg Cooker

Via Amazon.com

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

The Holife Stainless Steel Egg Cooker takes an advanced and precise auto-temperature control system that allows you to cook at least 7 eggs at the same time. It is designed with only a single button for easy and convenient operation.

This egg cooker comes with a measuring cup for getting the right amount of water for your desired consistency— hard, medium or soft-boiled. Also, it has a built-in piercing pin that prevents cracked and peeling shells during the cooking process.

The Holife Egg Cooker is a multifunctional cooker that does not only steam eggs to hard-boiled perfection, but it also comes with a BPA-free bowl to steam vegetables, heat pizza, tortillas, milk or poach eggs. An auto-off feature complete with a buzzer notifies you when the eggs are ready to eat.

What We Like

  • Multi-function cooking
  • Cook 7 eggs on one go
  • Auto-off feature with a buzzer
  • Comes with a measuring cup and piercing pin
  • Single-button operation

What We Don't Like

  • Unit turns off too early
  • Loud buzzer

#4: Cuisinart Egg Central

Cuisinart Egg Central

Via Amazon.com

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

With an adorable egg design, the Cuisinart Egg Central is #1 on Amazon’s New Released Egg Cookers. Its modern and sleek design makes it a nice addition to your kitchen aesthetics. Its lid is polished steel with a very smooth finish that makes it very stylish but also extremely durable.

The inside of this egg cooker is made of stainless steel for durability and has a large capacity thanks to its 2-story construction that can boil 10 eggs in one go! The Egg Central also comes with a measuring cup for getting the exact amount of water needed for desired consistency. Also, its measuring beaker comes with a pin at the bottom to make perfect holes at the bottom to prevent crack and peeling. 

For versatility, this egg cooker includes a tray that can poach at least 4 eggs at the same with a separate omelet tray for 3 eggs. It might look sophisticated, but it is extremely user-friendly with sound alerts and blue LED light that notifies you when the eggs are ready.

What We Like

  • Modern and sleek design
  • The base has anti-slip feet
  • Multi-function
  • Comes with measuring cup and pin for perfectly boiled eggs
  • High capacity for cooking 10 eggs in one go
  • Interior and lid are made of sturdy and smooth stainless steel

What We Don't Like

  • The lid may become too hot when cooking
  • Omelet tray is too small
  • Lacks an auto-shutoff feature

#5: KRUPS Egg Cooker

KRUPS Egg Cooker

Via Amazon.com

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

The KRUPS Egg Cooker can easily and quickly cook 7 eggs at different varieties including hard, medium, soft or poach up to2 eggs, simultaneously. It has some innovative design like the handles on the side to prevent burning of your fingers when lifting the lid. This egg cooker comes with a dual switch for keep warm setting and boiling for easy operation. 

With its removable egg holder, you can just pull it up and cool the eggs in running water. It comes with a built-in timer and an alarm that lets you know if the eggs are ready. It also comes with measuring cup for the precise amount of water needed in order to achieve the desired consistency of eggs.

If you are thinking about cleanup, then you will be glad to know that all non-electronic parts of the egg cooker are dishwasher safe. 

What We Like

  • Innovative design with handles on the side
  • Comes with an alert and timer feature
  • Dual switch
  • Boil 7 eggs at the same time
  • Parts are dishwasher safe
  • Durable and sturdy

What We Don't Like

  • Loud buzzer
  • Poaching trays are sticky
  • Expensive
  • No shut-off feature

The Most Eggsquisite Cooker

And now, the “Most Eggsquisite Cooker” award goes to…

Dash Rapid Egg Cooker!

Perfect for small families, it allows you to cook 6 eggs at the same time with options of poached or omelets. It has an auto-off feature with a timer for the best automated egg cooking experience! It is also light and portable for easy storage or taking it with you on vacation trips.

Eggtastic Thoughts

If you love eggs, then you should never think twice about getting yourself the best egg cooker out there! Not only will it make your life easier, but it also ensures that you get consistent results to satisfy your palate every morning!

I hope you find this article helpful! If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to fire up the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you!

Until then, happy boiling!

[tcb-script type="text/javascript"]amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "cookymom-20";amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search";amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";amzn_assoc_region = "US";amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products";amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Egg Cooker";amzn_assoc_default_category = "All";amzn_assoc_linkid = "03b6322f9659c72a667d1619c36e1514";[/tcb-script][tcb-script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"][/tcb-script]

The post Best Egg Cooker 2018: Top 5+ Recommended appeared first on Cooky Mom.

Thứ Năm, 22 tháng 11, 2018

The Top 5 Best Iced Tea Maker To Cool You Down On A Hot Summer Day!

On a hot, sweaty day, there is nothing more refreshing and invigorating than sipping on a glass of sweet and extra-cold ice tea to ease the sticky and scorchy summer feeling!

Whether you are entertaining friends on your yard or patio, relaxing by the pool or in need of something to refresh you on your next camping trip, a glass of sweet and aromatic iced tea will surely keep you cool on those hot summer days and nights.

But, let’s be honest here.

Grabbing a can of soda or ready-made tea bottles on the store is so much easier and more convenient than doing the tedious work of homemade teas.

However, this all changed with the arrival of the best iced tea maker on the market and make it so much easier for all tea lovers out there to create and experiment on their preferred tea flavor!

What is this Iced Tea Maker?

An iced tea maker is a kitchen appliance that can be electrical or manual used to create a homemade iced tea. It includes several parts such as water reservoir, brewing basket, filters, pitchers and more.

Iced tea maker works by brewing loose or bagged tea and then dripping it onto a pitcher or carafe full of ice which cools it down. The best feature of iced tea maker is that it allows you to serve several glasses of ice tea within a few minutes which required an hour-long procedure in the traditional way.

Should You Buy An Iced Tea Maker?

Some people are pretty obsessed with always having a cold glass of tea on their hands.

If this sounds like you, then you should definitely consider the best iced tea maker out there.

And although making a delicious iced tea is not the hardest thing to do, buying an iced tea makes can add great convenience to the process of making your favorite iced tea.

Think like this:

When brewing your own iced tea, you cannot always produce the same, exact level of brew strength that you wish. With an iced tea maker, you get to lock up the exact strength of tea, consistently.

Also, you get to create your own flavor instead of buying on cafes or pre-made iced tea bottles on convenience stores which may be loaded with sugars and can become unhealthy for you.

Furthermore, the best iced tea maker allows you to control and spice up the taste or flavor of your drink for the best tea experience ever!

The Health Benefits of Homemade Iced Tea

Iced tea is not just about having a refreshing boost one hot, sunny day. Homemade iced tea offers a lot of health benefits that you might not know.

  • 1Whether you use green, black or iced tea for your drink, each tea type is rich with antioxidants that prevent fractures, strengthen bones, clean your system and provide protection against lung, prostate, skin and breast cancer.
  • 2Thanks to the natural aroma and taste of tea, you can drink it without adding cream or sugar, making it the perfect low-calorie drink that delights your taste buds and quenches your thirst. This makes homemade tea an ideal for losing weight and controlling blood sugar levels.
  • 3Iced tea helps in preventing heart disease and reduces the risk of heart attacks and hardening of the arteries, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
  • 4Tea is a great booster of mental performance. Tea contains a small amount of caffeine which provides a mild stimulation of the brain and allows you to do your tasks more efficiently.
  • 5Tea is loaded with manganese, an essential element for the human body. An 8oz glass of homemade brewed tea contains at least 30 percent of daily manganese intake.
  • 6Having an energizing and refreshing effect, all types of tea can help soothe and chill your nerves. It was proved that most people who regularly drink tea are able to de-stress more efficiently and quickly than those who do not.
  • 7After water, tea is the next best source of hydration and the most delicious one. Experimenting on tea types with additional ingredients like spices, herbs, and citrus not only enhance the flavor but gives you a whole other set of health benefits.

Iced Tea Maker Buying Guide: Choosing the Coolest One in the Market!

Now, I know you’re a bit agitated to get out and buy an iced tea maker to start creating tea for yourself. But, before that, you will need to consider a few factors in order to ensure that you are only getting the best iced tea maker that can meet your needs. Here are some points you might want to consider:

1. Capacity

The capacity of an ice tea maker will depend on your consumption rate on a daily basis. If you only drink tea occasionally, then you should go with tea makers that brew one glass at a time. If you are a tea addict or have friends that love to come at your place, on the other hand, then you should go with 2 to 3-quart capacity or more that can give you several glasses in a few minutes.

2. Manual Vs. Electric

When it comes to iced tea makers, most people prefer the electric ones because they are much faster and requires less work. However, if you do not mind doing some work and does not want to use electricity, then manual iced tea maker is the best option for you. Plus, manual iced tea makers can be easily carried outside for camping and picnics.

3. Ease Of Control

The reason you want an iced tea maker is to make your life a bit easier in making your own iced tea at home. If so, then the last thing you want is an iced tea maker with an overly complicated control scheme.

Fortunately, most iced tea makers are very easy to control, however, make sure that you get something with control that you can easily understand and operate for the utmost convenience.

The best iced tea maker has simplified control such as a digital control panel or a simple system that brews your tea with just a single switch. If you want versatility in your brewing options, then look for iced tea makers with pre-programmed settings that are straightforward and easy to operate. Some models allow settings such as temperature control, programmable brewing, auto shutoff, brewing strength selector, timer, auto start brewing and more.

4. Water Filtration

Water filtration is particularly important if you usually use tap water. Using tap water to make you iced tea means that much of the tea which is brewed could have tiny contaminants in it. Each of these contaminants can significantly change the quality and flavor of your iced tea.

If you do not want this, then make sure that you get an iced tea maker with water filters which filter out contaminants in the water so that your iced tea will taste better.

5. Cleaning

Most of the products in today’s market are dishwasher-safe, making your life easier as well as ensuring that your items are always clean and safe from contamination. So, go with iced tea makers that are dishwasher-safe. Although you can’t throw the whole appliance on the dishwasher, choose for models with removable parts that are dishwasher-safe.

6. Construction Material

The longevity and durability of an iced tea maker will depend on the material that is used for its construction. Most of the iced tea makers in the market today are made of plastic which might have an issue n health safety.

It is always better to go with iced tea makers that has glass pitchers for health safety and ease of cleaning. But if you must buy an iced tea maker made of plastic, then you need to make sure that it is BPA-free for safety.

The Top 5 Best Iced Tea Maker 2018

*Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

#1: Mr. Coffee Iced Tea Maker TM1

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

A well-trusted and renowned company, Mr. Coffee has been creating reliable products and specializes in tea makers and drip coffees for decades. Therefore, it is no surprise that they come up with such excellent products like the TM1 Iced Tea Maker that would be a great tea-companion whether it be at your office or at home.

Mr. Coffee TM1 can accommodate both bagged and loose tea and gives you cool, refreshing glass of tea in just a minute. Measuring 11x7x15 inches and comes with a dishwasher-safe 2-quarts pitcher, you can make tea for everyone in the family or if you have friends coming over.

This iced tea maker offers a simple and straightforward yet effective features such as an auto shutoff function and brew basket. Also, it has a regular brewing and fast brewing cycle that makes iced tea in just a minute. It is very affordable and extremely impressive for such a basic iced tea maker.

What We Like

  • Fast brewing cycle
  • Light indicators
  • Removable steeping basket
  • Dishwasher-safe pitcher
  • Accommodates both bagged and loose tea

What We Don't Like

  • Not suitable for a strong brew
  • The pitcher may warp during dishwashing

#2: Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

Specifically designed in order to make cool iced tea fast, with the Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker, you will be sipping on your favorite tea in just a few seconds. Also, it is one of the quietest self-brewing machines out there so you will not be extremely cranky when using it.

This iced tea maker makes string brew and mild brew tea— the types that you only get to taste in cafes. Also, it only takes half the time than most other competitors with such a large capacity and provides 2-quarts or 8 full serving of sweet, cold tea.

Takeya Iced Tea Maker allows you to use bagged or loose tea for brewing and built with a durable airtight lid in order to keep its aroma and flavor in. Not only that, but the pitcher is also BPA-Free Tritan which you can keep in the refrigerator or on the counter. Also, this iced tea maker can handle hot water, even if it is just out from the electric kettle without breaking a sweat.

What We Like

  • Does not require electricity
  • The whole iced tea maker is dishwasher-safe
  • The plastic pitcher is BPA-free
  • Durable pitcher that can withstand extreme water temperature and is shatterproof
  • Airtight lid
  • Flash Chill patented technology that chills tea in just 30 seconds
  • Slip-resistant pitcher handle

What We Don't Like

  • The infuser is hard to clean
  • Spout design may cause some leakage

#3: Nostalgia Iced Coffee & Tea Brewing System

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

Nostalgia offers plenty of reasons to fall in love with their iced tea maker. First of all is its sleek and stylish design with a lovely glass pitcher and elegant black body, making it aesthetically appealing to your kitchen or office interior.

Next is that it does not only offer you 3-quarts of sweet iced tea in just a minute, but it is also very capable to make you some iced latte, coffee and more. All you need to do is to add bagged or loose tea or ground coffee to its removable filter basket, fill the water tank and turn it on with just one push of a button.

If you are obsessed with experimenting, then you will surely have all the fun with this iced tea maker since it allows you to add various ingredients such as sweeteners, herbs, lemon, cinnamon sticks and more to the filter basket along with coffee and tea in order to enhance the flavor and taste of your drink.

Also, you can change the strength of your coffee or tea using the dial that allows you to select the brewing strength from 1 to 8. It also features a shower head at its filter compartment for an efficient extraction process. The pitcher also comes fully equipped with a lid to prevent any spilling or allow pouring of content to a glass. It also has an automatic shut-off feature when the brewing process is complete saving more energy.

What We Like

  • Versatile lid
  • Allows you to choose the brewing strength
  • Fully equipped with shower heads for maximum efficiency of the extraction process
  • You can add various ingredients other than the tea and coffee for more flavor
  • 2-in-1 iced tea or coffee maker
  • Sleek and stylish design

What We Don't Like

  • Glass pitcher needs careful handling

#4: Mr. Coffee 2-in-1 Iced Tea Brewing System

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

Mr. Coffee bring another master appliance for all tea-enthusiast to love! This particular tea brewing system boasts a sleek and stylish body with an elegant black body that should be aesthetically appealing in any kitchen space and countertops.

Mer. Coffee Iced Tea Brewing System offers a great amount of flexibility in the flavor of your tea since you can use either bagged or loose tea leaves. In just a few minutes, you will get 2.5 quarts of freshly brewed tea for you and your friends to enjoy on a hot, summer day.

Is filter comes in the form of a basket that is easy to fit into the machine as well as lifting it out. This filter is permanent so you do not need to buy separate filter papers and only needs to wash before every use. The water tanks feature a semi-transparent window, which allows you to have a peek on the amount of water inside and preventing the chance of an overflow.

Sporting a glass pitcher with a secure lid, it offers easy cleaning since you only need to throw it on the dishwasher and saves you a lot of time. Depending on your taste or mood, you can have your iced tea to be light, medium or strong by just dialing its Brew Strength Selector. And once the unit is done with the brewing process, it automatically turns itself off in order to save energy.

What We Like

  • Auto shut-off feature
  • Choose from light, medium, and strong brewing
  • Makes 2.5 quarts of tea in a few minutes
  • The stylish glass pitcher is dishwasher safe
  • Semi-transparent window to see the water level in the reservoir
  • Permanent filter that only needs to be washed and reused
  • Sleek and elegant design

What We Don't Like

  • Large size
  • The filter is difficult to clean

#5: Hamilton Beach Iced Coffee & Tea Maker

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

For the basic ease of making iced tea or coffee, the Hamilton Beach Iced Coffee and Tea Maker will surely provide you with a solid brew with very little effort. You can brew up to 2 quarts of iced coffee, or if you like, coffee, in just under 10 minutes.

When the brewing cycle is complete, you only need to remove the brew basket, put on the serving lid and pour your drink directly from the decorative pitcher. In case, you got some leftover drink, you can easily fit it in the fridge to enjoy it for later.

This tea and coffee maker is very easy to clean thanks to its removable parts that are dishwasher safe and a drip-free spout so you have no mess on your kitchen countertop when pouring your drink on a glass.

What We Like

  • Compact and saves kitchen space
  • Plastic parts are made from heavy-duty materials
  • Reliable with a solid base
  • Easy to assemble and use
  • Affordable price
  • Drip-free spout
  • 2-in-1 brewing system

What We Don't Like

  • No auto shut-off feature
  • Cracks may develop over time

The Coolest Iced Tea Maker

And now, the title “The Coolest Iced Tea Maker” goes to…Mr. Coffee 2-in-1 Iced Tea Brewing System!

Coming from a reputable and experienced company in brewing systems, this machine is not only capable of brewing your favorite iced tea but can also offer you energizing iced coffee! How cool is that?

Sporting a stylish and sleek design, this brewing system can create 2.5 quarts of tea for the whole family! It comes with an elegant glass pitcher for serving and you can choose your desired brewing strength. Plus, its auto shut-off feature is extremely useful in saving more on your electricity bill. 

Cool Thoughts

The best way to beat the summer heat? Grab a glass of iced tea! 

How to have a glass of iced tea in no time? Invest in the best iced tea maker in the market today!

Whether you are pretty obsessed with iced tea or just want to stop the unhealthy habit of drinking soda and other sweet beverage and go with the healthy offers of iced tea, the best iced tea maker will surely have you covered and will quench your thirst and keep you cool on the sunniest or most stressful summer days!

I hope you find this article helpful! If you got some questions or suggestion, please feel free to voice it out and fire up the comment section below.

Until then, have a cool and invigorating day!

The post The Top 5 Best Iced Tea Maker To Cool You Down On A Hot Summer Day! appeared first on Cooky Mom.

Thứ Bảy, 3 tháng 11, 2018

Best Pancake Griddle Reviews 2018: Top 5+ Recommended

Pancakes, anyone?

I mean, who wouldn’t love a wonderful morning with the soothing aroma of coffee with its perfect partner— an enticing vision of stacked, steaming golden pancakes dripping in maple syrup, right?

Whether it be a quick Monday morning breakfast or a relaxed Sunday brunch, it is no doubt that pancakes are the most popular breakfast item across the world!

Pancakes are among the easiest food item you can make for breakfast, however, it can be quite a challenge to get the right size, shape and fluffy texture you always want— especially if you need to cook several pancakes in just a short amount of time.

I’ve got some good news for you, though!

This very problem can be prevented with the best pancake griddle that allows you to cook several pancakes at a time without overwhelming your skillet and forgetting the fun of flippin’ those pancakes.

What Exactly is a Griddle?

Because griddles usually come in various types, sizes, and shapes, it is quite difficult to understand what exactly this kitchen tool is. To make it simpler, a griddle:

  • Is a piece of cookware or kitchen appliance with a flat and large surface.
  • Is typically made of cast iron, aluminum, and steel and its surface is heated by wood, coal, gas or electricity
  • Has mostly non-stick surfaces

Griddles make cooking more efficient and easier and not only with pancakes.

Factors To Consider Before Buying a Pancake Griddle

Finding the best pancake griddle is more than just choosing the most popular model and hoping that it is the right one for you. There are certain elements you need to consider in order that you buy the right model for your needs. Here are some things you need to take into considerations when looking for a pancake griddle:

1. Shape

Most pancake griddles come in rectangular or square shapes, but some also have a circular shape. Rectangular and square-shaped griddles are ideal if you want to maximize the cooking surface you can work with. Additionally, rectangular griddles also allow you to cook other items other than pancakes, making it highly versatile.

2. Size

Another thing you need to consider is the size of your griddle. If you frequently entertain guests or has a large family to feed, then consider getting a griddle that is as large as enough room you can spare in your kitchen. This will allow you to cook more pancakes at the same time, getting the task done faster and ensuring that they are still hot and fresh when you serve them. If you live alone, then you can get a relatively small one for single servings.

3. Material

The most common griddle materials are stainless steel, aluminum, and cast iron.

  • Stainless steel is durable and non-reactive, however, heat distribution can be a problem.
  • Aluminum is the most affordable and lightweight of the three choices. It also has a fair heat distribution, however, it is highly reactive to alkaline and acidic foods. And because it is soft, aluminum tends to scratch and warp easily.
  • Cast iron is the most durable of all. It has a natural non-stick coating, does not react with acidic foods, and distributes and retains heat really well. The only problem is that it is the heaviest among the three.

4. Non-Stick Pans

Usually, pancakes are not that thick, so they tend to stick to the cooking surface. If you want a healthy pancake recipe, then go for griddles with non-stick pans since they require less to no oil than regular pans. Plus you will never have to serve any misshapen and ugly pancakes with non-stick coating griddles.

5. Electric or Stove Top

Some griddles rely on electricity in order to heat while some are designed like pans that you need to place them on your stove top. Either style provides multiple sizes and high-quality options to choose from.

6. Handle

If you are eyeing a griddle that is used on a stove top, then you need to take a closer look on its handle. You would want to get a stovetop pancake griddle with handles that do not heat while cooking in order to prevent accidents or burning your hands. Also, get a griddle with good gripping handles in order to prevent slipping when trying to flip your pancakes.

7. Heat Settings

If you opt for an electric pancake griddle, then you need to consider the heat settings. The best electric pancake griddle allows you to adjust the temperature from high heat, medium to low heat or can provide you with particular temperature settings.

8. Versatility

If you think about cooking other foods such as bacon, eggs or even steaks, then you can look for a griddle that offers additional plates with grilling surfaces. With this, you can enjoy the versatility of the item without spending a lot.

9. Maintenance

Look for a pancake griddle that does not give you a hard time to clean. Pancakes are relatively easy to cook, so why cleaning up after the griddle should be hard? The best choices are griddles with non-stick surfaces or removable parts that make it relatively easy to clean. You should go for a pancake griddle that you can wipe clean without hassle.

10. Cost

Last but not the least, you should carefully consider how much are you willing to spend for a pancake griddle. Spending more usually gives you a higher-quality griddle that surely lasts longer. Expensive models can even come with a longer warranty or easier to clean. Expensive options usually refer to electronic ones while the cheapest choices are typically stovetop griddles.

The Top 5 Best Pancake Griddle 2018

*Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

#1: Lodge Round Cast Iron Griddle

Lodge Round Cast Iron Griddle

Via amazon.com

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

The Lodge Round Cast Iron is a 10.5-inch, multi-functional griddle which works wonder for your all-time favorites! It is essential for big breakfasts, flipping flapjacks and pancakes, roasted vegetables, quesadillas, tortillas, and grilled sandwiches.

With a cast iron construction, you can use it on stovetop, campfires, as well as the oven and can be very tough and used for generations to come. It can slow-cook foods without scorching, plus it can retain and distribute heat very well, so you can even sear meat at a higher temperature.

Sporting a stylish black color, this round griddle looks great in most kitchen and doubles up as an excellent source of nutritional iron when cooking. It also provides a non-stick surface without any harmful fumes generated by heating chemically-treated nonstick cookware.

What We Like

  • Cast iron construction
  • Very tough
  • Stylish black color
  • Non-stick surface
  • Highly versatile
  • Even heating
  • Low maintenance

What We Don't Like

  • Get hot too fast
  • Pretty heavy
  • Prone to rusting

#2: Lodge Pro-Grid Grill + Griddle

 Lodge Pro-Grid Grill + Griddle

Via Amazon.com

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

Another product from Lodge, this cookware can be used as a griddle or a grill. It provides great heat retention and distribution and can fit over 2 stovetop burners. Its easy grip handles allow you easily lift, flip or hang this cookware if not in used.

Featuring a slight slope, it provides a generous grease gutter for a mess-free cooking. It reversible feature means that you use the ridged grill side for grilling sausages, steaks and hamburgers and the smooth side for cooking pancakes, eggs, flapjacks, and sandwiches.

Whether you use it in a camp or kitchen, this iron cast cookware is virtually indestructible that could last for generations to come. Measuring 20 x 10.44 inches, you can cook enough food items for the family. It also comes pre-seasoned in order to prevent any food sticking on it, but you can still spray or coat it with vegetable oil.

Moreover, cleaning is relatively easy— just run on water and dishwashing soap, pat dry with a towel and you’re good to go!

What We Like

  • Grill + Griddle cookware
  • Large cooking surface
  • Easy to clean
  • Pre-seasoned
  • Has grease gutter
  • Sturdy handles

What We Don't Like

  • Food can still stick on the surface
  • Needs better handle design
  • Needs to be carefully washed

#3: Presto Cool Touch Electric Griddle

Presto Cool Touch Electric Griddle

Via amazon.com

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

Presto offers an efficient square-shaped electric griddle that can hold more sandwiches, eggs, and pancakes than conventional rectangular griddles! It features a multi-function tray that can be flipped back in order to keep cooked food warm and flipped up to use as a spatter shield, swing forward for steaming and melting and completely removable to be used as a serving tray!

With a 14 x 15-inch cooking surface, you can cook batch-by-batch of food in no time! Non-stick coating ensures that you can easily clean the product and have a stick-free cooking. It also has a master control that allows you to control the temperature of the griddle for the desired cooking heat.

Sporting a cool-touch base on both sides and front, you do not have to worry about your hands getting burned. It also has a slide-out drip tray for a mess-free cooking and easy cleaning. This griddles can be submerged fully on the water and is dishwasher-safe— just remove the heat controls first.

What We Like

  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Slide-out drip tray
  • Cool touch base
  • Multi-function tray
  • Non-stick coating

What We Don't Like

  • Too small
  • Takes too long to heat

#4: Gotham Steel Square Griddle Pan

: Gotham Steel Square Griddle Pan

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

Make pancakes every morning in this beautiful orange griddle pan that you will surely love. With a non-stick coating, the Gotham Steel Square Griddle Pan will make sure that you can cook and flip pancakes and eggs without any hassle!

It comes in just the right size for cooking your favorite breakfast meals. It is PFOS-, PTFE-, and PFOA-free so you do not have to worry if it is safe for cooking. This griddle pan also offers easy cleaning, thanks to it being dishwasher safe, so you can just throw it in and not worry about a thing.

Its sturdy handles allow easy lifting and transport of the pan. However, you need to exercise caution since it does not have any rubberized handle so it can very hot when cooking.

What We Like

  • Non-stick
  • 100% safe for cooking
  • Vibrant color
  • Sturdy handle

What We Don't Like

  • Nonstick layer wears off
  • Handles can get hot when cooking
  • Not to be used in induction stovetops

#5: Good Cooking Emoji Smiley Face Pancake Griddle

Good Cooking Emoji Smiley Face Pancake Griddle

Via amazon.com

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Our rating

Create smiling pancakes every morning that will surely brighten the day! This fun, emoji pancake pan makes it easy for you to cook presentable breakfast without any added efforts.

This pan features 7 different molds emblazoned with different funny emoji faces. It has a non-stick coating so that your food won’t stick on the surface and easily flip your pancakes if you can. It requires little to no oil when cooking and can provide you with 7 3-inch thick pancakes for your family.

After cooking, you can easily clean it off with water and wipe it with a soft cotton cloth. Its size does not take up to much space in your kitchen and is very easy to store on kitchen cabinets.

What We Like

  • Perfectly sized molds
  • Teflon non-stick surface
  • Can be used on electric or gas stove
  • 7 Fun, emoji molds

What We Don't Like

  • Flipping pancakes can be a bit difficult
  • The bottom is prone to scratching

The Basic Pancake Recipe

Once you have brought your own pancake griddle, making pancake is relatively easy! Although there are ready-made pancake recipes you can buy in stores, creating one for yourself is quite easy, plus you get to control the portion of seasonings and additives on your pancakes.

What you will need:

  • 1 ¼ cups of milk
  • Egg
  • 3 tablespoon of melted butter
  • 3 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour

Instructions

  • 1Take a large bowl.
  • 2Sift together the baking powder, white sugar, salt, an all-purpose flour.
  • 3After mixing, create a well in the middle of the mixture.
  • 4Add the milk, egg and melted butter.
  • 5​​​​Mix all ingredient until it has a smooth and consistent texture without any lumps.

How To Use Griddles For Pancakes?

For perfect pancakes every time, griddles are the best kitchen tool. Just pre-heat your griddle at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In case you do not have any temperature options, then just put in on medium heat. Usually, griddles heat up within a few minutes.

Pour the batter in a small circle, then slowly spread it to at least 3 or 4-inches thick. If you are cooking multiple pancakes, then place them at least 1.5 inches apart so that they do not spread into each other and form a clump.

Allow the pancakes to cook. If you see small bubbles on the batter, then it is time to flip the pancakes. You can use a spatula to flip the pancakes or try to be pro-like and do a throwing flip for fun.

After flipping, cook for another 2 minutes until you see a golden-brown color on all sides. Use a spatula to get the pancakes off the griddle. Top it with your favorite syrups, chocolates, fruits or ice cream or eat them together with eggs, bacon, and spinach.

Tips in Cleaning Pancake Griddles

After cooking, wait until your griddle has cooled down before cleaning. Use gentle soap when washing and never use harsh scorching pad since it can leave scratched on the griddle or peel off the non-stick coating.

Rinse the griddle with water. You can also just throw it on the dishwasher if it is dishwasher-safe and wait for it to finish.

After that use vegetable oil in order to re-season the griddle before you store it. Just use tissue with oil and wipe it on the cooking surface.

The Flipping Master

Now, among the 5 products mentioned above, the best of the best pancake griddle would be…Presto Cool Touch Electric Griddle!

Although a bit smaller than other pancake griddle, the Presto Cool Touch Electric Griddle offers a lot of features that the other griddles on the list don’t have.

Its multifunction tray is highly versatile and features a master control that allows you to control and manage the desired temperature when cooking. It also has a cool-touch base for burned-free cooking and slide-out drip tray for a mess-free cooking. Plus, this item is dishwasher safe or can be fully submerged in the water for easier cleaning.

But if you need a larger pancake griddle to cook a large batch of meals, then Lodge Pro-Grid Grill + Griddle will not disappoint!

Flippin’ it up!

With a pancake griddle by your side, cooking stacked golden-brown goodies dripping in golden syrup is much easier and full of fun! And griddles are not just for pancakes, you can cook a whole lot of other food items that will complete your meal! 

So, what are you waiting for? Get the best pancake griddle out there and start making you stack of favorite hotcakes!

Do you have any question? Suggestions? Feel free to voice out your mind by hitting the comment section below!

Until then, happy pancake flippin’!

The post Best Pancake Griddle Reviews 2018: Top 5+ Recommended appeared first on Cooky Mom.

Thứ Năm, 1 tháng 11, 2018

Top 8 Foods to Strengthen Teeth

Eating right foods ensure the better oral health. There is an old adage, "you are what you eat". But we failed to maintain the required diet for our oral health. Cleaning teeth 2 times a day is not enough job for healthy teeth, rather you should have a strong diet for a healthy smile.

A study conducted in King's London Dental Institute has shown that more than 1,000 men and women between the ages of 18 to 30 have a direct connection between diet and tooth decay. The study shows that eating high acid fruits and their juices can harm your teeth.

Foods with nutrients strengthen your teeth and improve dental health. Foods those strengthen your teeth health are actually healthy and delicious. Your teeth thank you when you build a habit of eating foods those are nutritious for the teeth.

#1. Avocado

Avocados are so popular that you find them in every restaurant and even you see a lot of restaurants opened that only serve different kinds of delicious avocado dishes. The high potassium levels of avocado lead to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Potassium works effectively to strengthen and prevent teeth and bones from breaking down. The lack of potassium is the prime reason for tooth decay in some people, so you should include servings of avocado into your diet.

Top 10 remarkable Health benefits of Avocado

Avocado flesh rich in prebiotic fiber which feeds probiotic bacteria in your oral and gut flora which promotes healthy digestion. Avocado contains a high level of fatty acids that absorb the fat-soluble vitamin E and K1. On top of that avocado contains folate, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B5 and vitamin B6. Be an avocado dieter, enjoy life; forget the doctor!

#2. Kefir

Kefir originated in the Middle East, is a delicious fermented milk drink with the tangy taste. It's widely known for good health and a booster diet for your oral health.

Moreover, it's a powerhouse of fatty acid with fat-soluble vitamin A, D, and K2. This nutrients mix is crucial for healthy teeth. Kefir is a versatile microbial makeup containing lactic acid and yeasts which are great for improved digestion. The gut microbiota controls your immune system and beneficial against your bleeding gums. Streptococcus mutans mostly found in the human oral cavity and the main culprit of tooth decay.

Kefir is packed with friendly lactobacillus bacteria which hinder the tooth decay-causing bacteria. These bacteria known as strep mutans for having ability of obstructing tooth decay.

#3. Asparagus

Do you know asparagus packed with healthy dietary fiber with a good source of inulin? A prebiotic fiber like inulin acts as a fertilizer for the good bacteria that helps to digest probiotics in your gut. We have already discussed the beneficial role of probiotics for your gut and oral health. Probiotics are the good bacteria that keep the healthy balance of digestion in your gut and it has a close encounter with dental health. The good number of stomach bacteria influence your bodily health condition and the digestive system.

Don't forget to include servings of asparagus into your daily diet.  A healthy stomach is full with the healthy gut flora and it's crucial for your dental health.

#4. Spinach

Spinach reminds me E. C. Segar's the nostalgic cartoon series Popeye the Sailor. Yeah! Popey was right- spinach is power booster! This leafy green vegetable originated in Persia, but now it's mostly found in the US and China. This edible green vegetable loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Spinach is packed with iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and folic acid and considered to be the health booster and dental health. Having smoothies or pasta sauces mixed with spinach serve extra fiber in your diet. What's more, it's antioxidant property clean harmful oxidizing substances from your body and improves teeth and gums health.

#5. Sauerkraut

Some estimates that for about 4,000+ years ago sauerkraut comes from NE China. To make sauerkraut pickled cabbage, salt, sugar, vinegar, and shredded cabbage are used and fermented by various lactic acid bacteria for 4-6 weeks. Surkraut pickled cabbage is packed with live probiotics which potentially promote healthy digestion. These good microbiotas keep your dental and gut health balanced and healthy. Live probiotics inside sauerkraut develop your teeth health.

Studies have shown that lactic acid release bacteria which hinder harmful bugs in your stomach. This property prevents tooth decay, gum disease and keep the balance of oral microbiome. You can use white or red cabbage to prepare sauerkraut for your family's meals with tangy flavor.

#6. Garlic

Garlic is widely used herb all over the world known to be good for the heart, blood system and teeth to boot. Garlic not only adds an appetizing flavor to food but also healthy for your dental health. It's rich in antibacterial properties. Garlic packed with allicin chemical properties which causes the bad 'garlic breath'. Garlic is antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial for having allicin chemical property that controls oral flora imbalance by fighting against bad bacteria.

Top 9 Unbelievable Health Benefits of Garlic

These harmful bacteria increase dental diseases such as cavities and gum disease. Garlic contains prebiotic fiber to boost your gut health. We all should know - the precondition of healthy teeth and gums are the healthy gut.

Chicken drumsticks

Do you know chicken drums, thighs, and wings are rich in collagen? Chicken breasst is also a great source of collagen. You can make delicious grilled chicken panini recipe using best panini press in the market. Collagen plays a crucial role in your gum health. When you loss collagen ligament to your teeth then you suffer from gum disease. You can get collagen from chicken bone broth. It contains many nutrients and collagen. All of these nutrients are good for your dental health.

Butter

You might think of butter is not as healthy, it is a great source of nutrients and rich in healthy properties for your teeth. People avoid butter to avoid extra weight. Actually, the saturated fat in butter is not going to make you suffer from obesity. Eating butter doesn't spike normal blood sugar. It contains valuable vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin K2. These nutrient properties are beneficial for your dental health diet.

Asparagus, chicken legs and garlic are a great combo, which is good for your teeth. Mix, match and enjoy!

So too chicken and apple panini. Make a healthy meal for your family using the best panini press in the market. Have questions in mind regarding oral health? Express your curious mind. Feel free to leave your questions below.

The post Top 8 Foods to Strengthen Teeth appeared first on Cooky Mom.